What is the meaning of Judges 20:9?

Now this is what we will do to Gibeah

- The assembled tribes declare unified intent after hearing the horrific crime in Gibeah (Judges 19).

- Their words signal decisive, collective action, echoing earlier covenant responsibilities to purge evil (Deuteronomy 13:12-15; Joshua 22:16-18).

- Unity is emphasized: “So all the men of Israel rose up as one man” (Judges 20:8). This agreement shows national accountability, not personal revenge (cf. Numbers 15:32-36).

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We will go against it

- “Go against” implies armed confrontation, recognizing sin sometimes demands severe consequences (Romans 13:4).

- This step follows failed attempts at peaceful justice—Benjamin refuses to surrender the guilty men (Judges 20:12-13).

- Similar corporate discipline appears when Israel confronts Achan (Joshua 7:24-26): sin defiles the community and must be removed.

- The phrase underscores that justice, though forceful, is carried out under divine sanction, not mere human anger (Psalm 94:1; 1 Samuel 15:3).

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as the lot dictates

- Casting lots seeks God’s specific guidance (Proverbs 16:33). Israel will not rely on human strategy alone.

- Lots will determine troop assignments and battle order (Judges 20:10; 20:18), mirroring earlier distributions of land (Joshua 18:10) and priestly duties (1 Chronicles 24:5).

- Depending on lots demonstrates trust that the Lord directs outcomes, preventing tribal favoritism and ensuring impartial justice (Acts 1:24-26).

- This method affirms that even in warfare, Israel submits to divine sovereignty (Psalm 37:23).

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summary

Judges 20:9 records Israel’s unified, God-honoring plan to confront the wickedness in Gibeah. They commit to act together, to use necessary force, and to rely on God’s direction through casting lots. The verse underscores communal responsibility to purge sin, balanced with humble submission to the Lord’s guidance.